M+A Edit

Compiling a baby registry—and figuring out how to dress your bump—can feel like learning a different language. As you sift through a sea of recommendations from friends and family, don't miss these six Monica + Andy mom-approved brands designed to make the mama life a little easier. From a stylish swing made to soothe the fussiest of babies to clothing brands that will live in your closet for longer than a trimester, you won't want to miss out. For Moms... 1. Hatch These effortlessly-chic maternity clothes made by a mom-of-two...

You’ve probably heard about those naturally great sleepers—the baby who snoozes through the night at six weeks, or the six-month-old who exclusively takes two-hour naps. But for a good majority of parents, getting baby to sleep well takes work. (Sometimes, hours of it—at 3 a.m.) And that’s where sleep training comes into play: it’s the process of teaching baby to self-soothe, so he or she can fall asleep on their own, minus the song and dance (ie: 45 minutes of rocking and sneaking quietly out the door) from Mom or...

Playing with a newborn is pretty simple—funny faces, high-contrast colors and music is enough to keep your little stimulated during those short breaks between naps and feeding. But once your baby reaches three months, she’s ready for a little more action—toys to swipe and grab, textures to feel, and even more silliness and conversing from mom. (If you're dealing with new mom information overload, here's some good news: play is easy.) “A lot of times moms think they have to be the initiator or educator, but babies are built to...

Welcome to The Delivery Room Dish—a place for new moms to spill on the highs, lows, and nitty gritty of giving birth. What you'll learn: there's no one 'right' way to have a baby, the delivery room is full of choices (even when labor doesn't go as planned), and every mom's got a birth story worth sharing. Up next: Monica + Andy's Director of Brand Strategy and Digital Content Jessie Mash, who gave birth to her daughter Maxine in November.The first sign of labor was: contractions I thought were Braxton...

Whether you’re sniffling through the final days of maternity leave, or feeling a swell of anxiety as a family-filled holiday break comes to an end, the guilt working moms feel is all too real. Despite the fact that 70 percent of moms with kids at home work, most of those mamas worry at some point: Will my kids be ok? Is my job hurting them? (Spoiler: yes—and no!) Here’s the good news for all moms and families: research shows babies and kids of moms who work wind up just as...

Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider on specific questions about your baby's health. When you brought your newborn baby home ,they probably slept, and slept, and slept. Hey, being born is hard work. But now they’re still sleeping frequently, and you may find yourself wondering: Is this normal? How much should a newborn sleep? Your baby’s health is our number one priroity, so be sure to contact your doctor for any questions. It’s absolutely normal if your baby spends most of the day asleep. That said,...

It's one of the first big decisions you'll make as a new mom: help that baby to latch, or pop open a tiny formula bottle? (For some women, there is no choice— their body or baby makes the decision.) But how exactly does nature's milk differ from the store-bought stuff, and what does it mean for you and your little? We spoke with family physician Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, coauthor of The Mommy MD Guide to Your Baby’s First Year (and a mom of three who fed her babies a...

Buying a baby gift? Learn how to buy the right size clothing for a baby. Plus: what to do if you don't know the baby's size.

Between disrupted nap schedules, back-to-back family parties, long car rides, and too-close hugs from relatives, the holidays can leave your little out of sorts—and you over it. Want to maintain your sanity and the health of your babe? Take note of these party hopping tips for new moms.Fight Germs By Keeping Baby in a Carrier Introducing your newborn to a bunch of relatives? Odds are all 40 of them will want a cuddle before the night’s over. If you’re worried about germs, wear your little in a carrier against your...

Hoping to snap that perfect “first Christmas” shot on your phone this year? Capturing a wow Christmas picture—even in the middle of holiday chaos—is easier than you think. We’ve rounded up the best tips our photographer pals have passed along for shooting little babies. With five minutes and a little forethought, we promise you can get that sweet and festive shot to mark year one. Set Up Near the Window While it’s tempting to plunk your baby in front of the fireplace or the Christmas tree, you’ll get the best...